Lagos-Osogbo-Abuja fast rail study okayed

The desire to have an improved transportation system received a boost yesterday as the Federal Government approved N1.334billion for new standard gauge railway lines.

The contract is for consultancy services for feasibility studies of five Fast Train Lines across the country.

The Fast Train Lines are for Lagos-Osogbo-Abuja (615km), which could be covered within three hours with five stops; Lagos- Shagamu- Benin (300km); Ajaokuta- Obajana-Abuja (533km); Zaria-Sokoto- Illela (520km) and Benin-Onitsha- Aba (500km).

The approval was granted at yesterday’s weekly Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo.

President Goodluck Jonathan is away in New York for the 67th United Nations General Assembly.

Minister of Information, Labaran Maku spoke to reporters alongside minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar and minister of Works, Mike Onolememen at the end of the meeting.

Maku noted that the proposed New Standard Gauge Railway Lines will create jobs for 51 Nigerian professionals and 115 non-professionals.

The contract for the feasibility studies in favour of various consultants in the sum of N1,334,405,366.74, with completion period of seven months.

Explaining further, Senator Umar said some private investors have already signified interest in the projects as soon as feasibility studies are completed.

He also assured that the fast rail contract will not become white elephant project.

“The idea is to partner with the private sector to develop the high speed train lines. There is going to be an international advertisement for investors to show interest. There is no question of fear that it’s going to be a white elephant project”.

Also, Council approved contract, for the construction of Manyam-Ushongo-Lessel-Kartyo-Oju-Agila-Ongba, an inter-state road linking Benue State with its Southeastern state neighbours on the Enugu-Abakaliki road.

The proposed road contract is awarded in favour of Messrs Tilley Gyado & Co, in the sum of N1,035,824,120.10, with a completion period of 14 months. On completion, it will facilitate access to markets, hospitals, schools and generally restore agro economic and social activities within the host communities.

Also approved are three projects in two states .

The projects, expected to create about 100 jobs are Kira-Dere-Mogho road in Rivers, land reclamation/Shore protection at Ogbeinana town in Delta and Umuada Layout road in Asaba, in the sum of N6,844,935,130.82, with a completion period ranging between 19-104 weeks.

To boost the quality of education at the primary and Junior Secondary levels, Council approved contract for the printing and distribution of primaries three, four, five and six textbooks in English Language, Mathematics, Basic Science & Technology, Social Studies and Library Resources materials for JSS students in public schools nationwide.

The Minister of State for Education, Nyeson Wike, explained that the funding of the project will come from the 15% of the 2% Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), an intervention fund approved by Council in 2008.

The printing of the books is awarded in favour of Messrs Macmillan Publishers, HBN Publishers and Universal Press (UP), in the total sum of N6,976,725,939.00, with completion period of six weeks.

After completion, please deregulate the sector. This must not be managed by Nigerian Railway Corporation

mr.no break no jam jorojarajoro

@Leke, See your mouth like deregulate.

Chris Akhabue

The idea is good. But my fear is, will the project ever be completed. We have so many abadoned projects in the country.

GASKIYA

IF THESE CONTRACTS WERE TO BE GIVEN TO YOU WILL, YOU COMPLETE IT? MIND YOU MOST NIGERIANS ARE TOO SELF- CENTRED. My prayer is MAY GODS SPIRIT OF LOVE AND BROTHERLINESS OVERSHADOW ALL OUR SELFISH TENDENCIES, SO THAT WE CAN MOVE FOREWARD.

ayodele Joseph

While the feasibility contract on fast rail is being pursued, I strongly advise our highly referred Senatos; Smart and Saraki to make presentations to FG to at least construct a bridge across niger to link Bida with Pategi. this will not only serve as alternative route to Lokoja Abuja road but a relieve to people of lower Niger Nupes, Ilorins & Ogbomoso axis. Places like Egbe, Ogbe through to Ekitis would also benefit if Pategi – Egbe Road is rehabilitated. PROACTIVE MANAGEMENT RATHER THAN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT is the order of the day.

OLATUNJI OLARRONGBE

AYODELE JOSHEPH, YOU HAVE JUST SAID WHAT I HAVE IN MY MIND. THANKS

neyo bounty

It would have been beautiful only if these contracts wil see the light of the day.

I am used to these things and am sure if this is still 9ja,there will be a follow up story which will make us realize that our leaders are yet to be real.
Even if this project accidentally come true, do u (Rulers) need to be praised,does it in anyway near the one u will loot or do u want to say that d contract was not inflated for the concern sacred goat to graze on? Yet it is money meant for the generality of Nigeria.
See, I can not stop being honest to myself and my father’s land.
What is holding the hand of our leaders from doing well and free us from suffering despite the huge fund?is it that they are not seeing d issue or there is no money or do they just derive pleasure in seeing pple suffering?

soso

With all those setback wey don take place for that jagajaga country, l no believe say Nigerians still dey wey dey think with their BUTT until l come this page…Lot of nigerians come chill here, open leg and begin dey think with their butts. Person like this thing wey una dey called Minister of Information, Labaran Maku go still talk and nigerians go dey find reason to his words, is nonsense. If government wannna build rail or road let them go ahead than build it…..Than building the unseen project in front of news paper.